Renfe, the Spanish national railway company, has announced the launch of discounted tickets for young Spaniards and residents of the European Union aged between 18 and 30. These discounted tickets provide an opportunity to travel across Europe using the popular Interrail pass, allowing travellers to explore 33 European countries by train or boat. The sale of these discounted tickets began on June 15th and will remain available until September 15th, 2023.
Renfe's initiative aligns with the European institutions' recognition of the Interrail Pass as a means to promote knowledge and cultural exchange among young people within the European Union. With more than 50 years of history, Interrail has been used by millions of young people to explore different countries and experience the diversity of European cultures.
The 50% discount applies specifically to the Global Flexible Pass offered by Interrail, which permits 10 days of travel within a two-month period to any destination included in the program. This discount is applicable to the official Interrail fares, which vary according to age. It presents a significant opportunity for young travellers to embark on an affordable and enriching journey through Europe.
In addition to the Interrail pass discounts, the Ministry of Transport, Mobility, and Urban Agenda (Mitma) has also introduced discounted train travel within Spain for young people aged 18 to 30. From June 15th to September 15th, these travellers can enjoy 50% discounts on various train services provided by Renfe, including AVE, Avlo, Alvia, Intercity, Euromed, and Avant. Furthermore, Media Distancia services or the Metric Gauge network will have discounts of up to 90%. The discounted tickets, excluding Interrail passes, can be purchased starting from June 6th.
To take advantage of these discounts, individuals born between 1993 and 2005 must register on the Mitma website at least 24 hours before purchasing their first ticket. Registration can be completed using qualified electronic certificates, such as the Cl@ve system, or by manually entering personal information, including name, surname, date of birth, ID number, and nationality. Upon successful registration, applicants will receive a personal and non-transferable code via email or mobile phone, which will remain valid throughout the discount period.
Renfe has also introduced a loyalty program called Más Renfe, aiming to reward young people between the ages of 18 and 30 who are members of the program. To qualify for a free trip, participants must travel at least twice between June 15th and September 15th. For every two trips taken, travellers will receive a 100% discount code, which can be used to purchase a ticket within the following three months. The announcement of this promotion has resulted in a surge of interest, with Renfe experiencing a doubling in daily registrations for the Más Renfe program, reaching up to 3,000 adhesions per day.
For those interested in purchasing Interrail passes with the 50% discount, it is essential to note that the discount applies exclusively to the Global Pass in its Flexible mode. The prices for Interrail passes, to which the discount will be applied, vary based on age. As per the prices listed on the official Interrail website, the Flexible Global Pass, offering 10 days of unlimited train travel within a two-month period, is priced at €316 for individuals under the age of 28 and €421 for those aged 29 and 30.
This summer, Renfe and Interrail are joining forces to make European travel more accessible and affordable for young people. The initiative encourages cultural exchange, supports tourism, and contributes to the goal of fostering a sense of unity among the countries of the European Union. With discounted tickets available for both domestic and international train travel, young travellers have the opportunity to embark on memorable journeys, explore new destinations, and embrace the rich diversity of Europe. To take advantage of these discounts, interested individuals should register on the Mitma website and obtain their personal discount code, enabling them to embark on an unforgettable Interrail adventure.
How to apply for the discounted tickets
To apply for the discounted Interrail tickets, please follow these steps:
1. Visit the Mitma website at https://veranojoven.mitma.gob.es/ to access the registration portal.
2. Complete the registration process on the website. You have two options for registration:
a. Use an electronic certificate, such as the Cl@ve system, if you have one. This will streamline the registration process.
b. Alternatively, manually enter the required information in the provided form. The information includes:
- Name
- Surnames
- ID number
- Validity date of the DNI (national identity document)
- Nationality
- EU Citizen Registry Support Number
3. After submitting the registration form, your eligibility for the discount will be verified. If you meet the necessary requirements, you will receive a personal and non-transferable QR code.
4. The QR code, composed of your DNI or NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) and a set of characters, will be sent to the mobile phone number or email address provided during registration.
5. With your QR code, you can proceed to purchase the discounted Interrail pass and other eligible tickets. Keep in mind that registration must be completed at least 24 hours before purchasing the first ticket.
6. The QR code will remain valid for the entire discount period, from June 15th to September 15th, 2023. Ensure that you use the code within this timeframe to avail yourself of the discount.
By following these steps, you can successfully apply for the discounted Interrail tickets and embark on an exciting European travel adventure at a reduced cost.
Sources
https://www.20minutos.es/noticia/5138034/0/renfe-comienza-la-venta-de-billetes-con-una-rebaja-del-50-para-los-jovenes-que-quieran-viajar-este-verano-por-europa-con-el-interrail/
https://elpais.com/economia/2023-06-15/renfe-pone-a-la-venta-este-jueves-los-billetes-del-interrail-a-mitad-de-precio.html
Updated: January 22, 2024 CET